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Wine and relaxation in North Georgia

A short drive from Atlanta sits a resort that feels worlds away — Château Élan, a sprawling luxury retreat that's best known in the area as a destination for weddings (it hosts more than 200 a year), conferences, and its namesake winery. The main hotel features a striking, large glass atrium decorated with vignettes of France and of Château Élan (its winery, spa and grassy green hills); in the property’s 275 guest rooms, the French estate theme continues with stately mahogany furnishings and marble bathrooms. Beyond the comfortable guest rooms, there is a spacious outdoor pool with 120 chaises for lounging, a working fireplace bar and more. For those who prefer to stay indoors, L’Auberge Lounge hosts live jazz on the weekends and a long list of cocktails and wines.

Right behind the hotel sits The Spa at Château Élan with its recently renovated 14 spa suites. The property also has two public 18-hole golf courses (The Château and The Woodlands) along with a nine-hole (The Par 3) and private 18-hole (The Legends) course. Another Château Élan highlight is its winery, run by Italian winemaker Simone Bergese. Arrange for an exclusive wine tour with him, or just stop in to try the winery’s fruity pink Muscadry and to pick up a bottle of Château Élan’s habanero chunk pickles.